Unico system for heating only

steve_26

Hi Annie,
If you are looking for heat only Radiant is the best choice.
WE have been installing Unico systems for about nine yrs.and Radiant Stadler systems about five.

I can not say enough about the Unico System and how well it works for heating,4000BTU's from one 3" outlet when installed properly. You will not be sorry by installing either system but the Radiant is by far the more comfortable to live with and less money to operate. You may find though that after a heat loss is done per room that you may need more than Radiant to satisfy the load and a Unico could be used when needed (ie) coldest days..we have many systems that work fantastic. But again if you don't need A/C and the Radiant will handle the load GO Radiant....And GOOOO SOX..... If I can ans. any ques.you might have feel free to e-mail...Good luck with your project.
Steve,

Annie Hall

Unico vs. hydronic in-floor for heat only?

Back to that Unico question. My builder is pushing me to explore this option (he's not a fan of radiant), but he can't answer my questions about how Unico works or why it would be better. Apparently there's only one local installer of Unico, and he hasn't called me back yet. I've talked to a homeowner who put the Unico in her new home (for heat only) and loves it. They use gas to fire a tankless hot water heater. The hot water then heats air, which is ducted in some unusual way throughout the house. She started talking about a "hurricane system" that collected cold molecules and left the hot molecules in the room...I do know something about heat transfer, and need to hear from those of you who can REALLY tell me how this system works and what the benefits might be. She loves it because it doesn't take up any space in their small house, apparently gives a nice, cozy heat (though they've only had it since April), provides unlimited hot water for domestic use, and is inexpensive to operate (compared to the all-electric home they had before). We are in the cool PNW, so AC is not needed here. I am planning to install hydronic radiant in my new home -- should I be looking into this Unico system as an alternative?

Floyd_5

Go radiant....

If the best heating system is what you are looking for, than find someone that knows their stuff with radiant and stick to your guns!!!!!!!
The Unico is a great system for certain applications, but yours is not one of them.....
Find a contractor that knows what you are talking about when you ask him about Pex tubing, Alum. plates and condensing,modulating boilers.....

Oh, and one more thing......

you builder knows wood, interior design, roofing, etc....
and probably is NOT qualified to be doing your heating......
they love to "do it all" but holy cow, have I seen some screwed up systems that were done by the builder and the HO left them do it to save a few bucks.....

Annie Hall

Builder won't be installing

Thanks for the advice. The builder is not going to do the installing. He just has strong opinions, and he thinks radiant is an over-priced luxury. Mostly because he doesn't understand how it works. I have bids on radiant, but primarily from contractors who only do radiant. The builder is pushing me to talk to a HVAC guy that he knows about the UNICO system. This guy is the only one in the area that is installing them. I want to understand the advantages/disadvantages and be a bit better informed before I speak to him. So, what are the criteria a knowledgable HVAC person would use to evaluate UNICO vs radiant for my application? (3800 in two floors, new construction, space for boiler not an issue, propane fuel)

Mark Hunt

Apples and oranges

The Unico system is still forced hot air. It isn't even close to a radiant system.

About the only advantage you will get with a forced air system is the ability to add central A/C to it.

High velocity systems like the Unico work better than traditional forced air systems because they mix the air better, less stratification.

Mark H

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Annie Hall

Thanks! That's what I told my builder

That's what I told my builder, and he told me I was wrong. So clearly HE is the one that doesn't understand what the UNICO system is, though he promotes it. I am sticking to my guns -- radiant it is!

Annie Hall

My condolences..

Thanks, Steve, I appreciate the advice. And I am sooo sorry about the SOX.

Mark Hunt

Good for you!


It's your house, your money, and YOUR COMFORT!

Good luck!

Mark H

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